The Lawrence Township assistant fire chief resigns

Monday meeting

KEY ACTION: Trustees accepted the resignation of longtime Fire Department veteran Dan Podlogar.

DISCUSSION: Podlogar is ending his nearly 30-year tenure with his retirement from the department as assistant fire chief, effective immediately. In a letter to the trustees, Podlogar outlined the many accomplishments he had achieved as well as noting the failure of forming a fire district. Among those accomplishments were helping the Fire Department transition through many changes over the years, reducing the township's insurance ratings thus lowering the cost of fire insurance premiums for residents, and writing and receiving grants totaling $700,000.

Podlogar noted that his one disappointment was not being successful in forming a fire district. He commented that "competing interests" had formed a roadblock for transitioning from a "living together" agreement with the Canal Fulton Fire Department to a fire district. In his letter, he also warned that there will continue to be problems, especially regarding management of the two departments, if a fire district is not formed.

Because of Podlogar's retirement, several promotions were also approved by the trustees. Capt. David Cole was promoted to assistant chief, Lieutenant Richard Bibighaus to captain, and paramedic Estelle "Bonnie" Byelene to lieutenant.

In related business, trustees accepted the resignations of Brent Bauman, Travis Brett, and Seth Duckett from the Fire Department and hired Austin Covey and Mason Pierpont as firefighters/EMTs.

OTHER ACTION:

Advised residents that the Road Department will pick up only bags of leaves left at the curb. No other yard waste or debris should be placed in the bags.

Adjourned to executive session to discuss Road Department personnel. Upon reconvening, trustees agreed to hire David Duvall as a full-time operator at $19.28 an hour, effective Nov. 20, and former Road Superintendent Jim Sims as a part-time operator at $18 an hour. In addition, trustees extended the paid administrative leave of Road Superintendent Charles Kull until their next meeting Nov. 29, when a full board will be in attendance.

Rescheduled their Dec. 27 meeting to 4:30 p.m. Jan 3, when an organizational meeting will be held, followed by a regular meeting at the township administration building.

UP NEXT: Trustees will meet in person at the township administration building and via Zoom at 10 a.m. Nov. 29. A work session to discuss Fire Department pay raises and longevity pay will begin at 9 a.m. An announcement of and a link to the trustees' meeting will be posted on the township's Facebook page at Lawrence Township Trustees-Stark County.

— Joan Porter